Secondary school pupils in England will be advised to wear masks in classrooms for the initial weeks after re-opening, the government has announced.
Officials hope the measure, which does not apply to primary schools, will only last for a time-limited period and will be combined with voluntary twice-weekly rapid home testing for all secondary and college pupils.
The plans come as Boris Johnson unveiled the government’s roadmap to easing the national coronavirus restrictions in England, beginning with the re-opening of both primary and secondary schools to all pupils from 8 March.
The roadmap states: “The government recommends that the use of face coverings in higher education, further education and secondary schools is extended for a limited period to all indoor environments – including classrooms – unless 2m social distancing can be maintained.”
In order to facilitate the full reopening of schools, it is understood secondary and college pupils will be required to have four rapid tests on return, including three onsite at asymptotic testing sites, before the home testing system is introduced.
The government’s roadmap added: “In addition to the already established rapid testing regime and regular testing of staff, there will be twice-weekly testing of secondary school and college pupils, initially with on-site testing and then home testing.
“All households with school children, members of their support and childcare bubbles, and those in related occupations will also be encouraged to get tested regularly.”